i just received a letter letter from the board of nursing of my state inviting me to join the Diversion Program because they have received a complaint that I was using drugs or alcohol on the job. It does not specify exactly the nature of the complaint, but either way I have absolutely no clue what it is regarding!
I have had no complaints at all from my current or former jobs about possibly being impaired on the job or any narcotic count issues. I have never showed up to work impaired nor have been asked to do any surprise drug tests. I am really afraid about what this could be about because I honestly have no clue what they could be referring to.
Has anyone received a letter like this or been investigated? Any help is appreciated!
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
Keep in mind that the BON looks into any and every complaint and allegation they receive. Not all of these will result in an investigation, but if the BON does decide to investigate, then there's something in that complaint/allegation that the BON feels is worth checking out. It doesn't necessarily mean that the complaint/allegation that triggered this can be substantiated...just that the BON is concerned enough to look further into it.
IMO, lawyer up, and do so BEFORE dealing with the BON. And have that attorney with you whenever you have to deal with them about this. You don't want to be railroaded into a diversion program that you don't need just to save your license because it will do your career more harm than good (I'll presume you are indeed innocent; if you do have a substance use problem, you don't need to tell us but you need to be honest about it with that lawyer).
Best of luck.
In Oregon, the BON is required by law to investigate EVERY complaint, even ones they know up front are bogus (ask me how I know this). So even complaints that are clearly malicious in nature get to remain anonymous and get investigated.
Trust me, do not sweat this. If your current employer is happy with you and you have an unblemished employment record, so much the better.
There is a specific type of lawyer for this sort of thing, which is different than a malpractice lawyer, a 'license defense attorney' who deals specifically with cases involving public licensing agencies.
Keep in mind that the process for BON actions are not criminal proceedings and aren't subject to most of the rules that go along with criminal charges (innocent until proven guilty for instance).
This seems very sketchy. I highly doubt this is real as they are asking you to enroll into a program without even conducting an investigation. I'd bet its all designed to create panic. Make sure you don't call the number on the letter, but use the state nursing boards contact info from their website.
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.
If there is a phone number on the letter, you can look up its owner at anywho.com or another reverse lookup site. This might indicate if the letter was truly from the BON or a reputable diversion program.
I'm thinking mistaken identity. Can you go online to your state's BON to check your license status?
This is what I am thinking as well. First call I would make would be to the BON (not using the number on the letterhead, but one from their official website if it doesn't match up) and verify that the letter has made it to the correct person. Then proceed from there with getting an attorney and such.
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
There is someone with my same name living in the same county as me. I've gotten letters and calls over the years regarding her legal issues, unpaid bills from Sallie Mae, etc.
Check in your state's licensing site and see if there is someone else in your state with the same name as you. It's worth checking out.
Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
As some have said I'd call the BON before freaking just to see if there WAS a complaint. Even if they won't give you details they should tell you if there is one filed. If there is not one filed I'd let them know about the letter/potential scam.
If there was a complaint I'd see about the hair follicle screen (as someone mentioned it goes back farther) and talk with a lawyer. If you haven't done anything there's nothing to hide. Can't make up evidence when there is none except here say.
When it is regarding some sort of action, doesn't the board have 'hearings'? That is only justice. To 'hear' a side. I would do the hair follicle and a multiple panel drug test, the more proof the better. I would absolutely call the BON and try to find out what the complaint was about and the date/time.
TriciaJ, RN
4,328 Posts
In Oregon, the BON is required by law to investigate EVERY complaint, even ones they know up front are bogus (ask me how I know this). So even complaints that are clearly malicious in nature get to remain anonymous and get investigated.
Trust me, do not sweat this. If your current employer is happy with you and you have an unblemished employment record, so much the better.